Review of A Wicked Game by Kate Bateman

 

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Note: I received this ARC from NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager in exchange for my honest review.

Book number three in Kate Bateman’s Ruthless Rivals series features sea captain Morgan and his love interest/rival map maker Harriet. A Wicked Game follows the format of its predecessors in that it sees the pairing of members of the Montgomery and Davies families, who pretend to dislike each other, whilst harboring a profound love for one another.

Both Morgan and Harriet are likeable – Morgan is sweet in his long-held devotion to Harriet and in his first-class treatment of men under his command. Harriet is in turn is unselfish and caring, putting her dreams of traveling the world on hold to care for her blind father.

In terms of the plot, you won’t find much action or suspense, I’m afraid. Most of the story is devoted to Morgan winning over Harriet. What you will get is witty banter, comedic bets, and a couple of steamy love scenes.

There is a villain, but his presence in the story is rather brief and quite unremarkable. The only reason this isn’t a five-star read for me – Kate Bateman’s writing is certainly solid – is that I would have liked a bit more action and danger. However, I understand this book is meant to be a fun and light, so I understand the deficiency in that area.

All in all, this an enjoyable read!

Hell's Belle's! A Review of "Heartbreaker" by Sarah MacLean

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Note: I received this ARC from NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager in exchange for my honest review.

Heartbreaker was my first foray into the Hell’s Belles series. Though it contains a common trope – riffraff falls in love with aristocrat – the characters and plot do well to ensure that this novel won’t fade easily into the background.

Henry, the hero of this story, is a duke with a secret – one that makes him feel unworthy of his place in the world. Adelaide, the heroine, likewise feels unworthy given her origins as a thief and daughter of a crime lord.

The sweetest thing about this story is the way Henry and Adelaide slowly convince each other that they are deserving of happiness and love. In the process, they also manage to take down a few villains with the help of Adelaide’s friends, the Hell’s Belles (the most interesting of which in my opinion was Imogen).

I will admit, this book for me was a bit of a slow read. I’m not sure if it was because the action seemed to fizzle at points, or if it was the heavy-handed feminist trope. I do appreciate the strength of all the female characters in this universe, however, I found it frustrating that the women were so often hesitant to accept help from men, and in fact seemed to love to belittle them.

I would have liked a better balance of strength/determination and softheartedness. That being said, this book is still a good, solid read. I find myself looking forward to Imogen’s book, so I will be sure to check back in with the series!

To Reid or Not to Reid? A Review of "A Matter of Temptation" by Stacey Reid.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Stacey Reid delivers another solid read with “A Matter of Temptation”, the first book in her new series. In this historical, we see Miss Wilhelmina Crawford match wit and swords with Simon Loughton, Earl of Creswick.

Mina is a likeable heroine – smart, brave, and fiery. Her only flaw is having once trusted a less than scrupulous fellow with her heart. Ruined in the eyes of the ton, she spent a chunk of her 20s sequestered away in the countryside. Thanks to a duel and a business proposal proffered by Simon, Mina returns to society with a newly animated disposition. 

Simon, a reserved politician, too begins to develop a new vivacity. His devotion to Mina, even upon learning of her past transgressions, is both admirable and endearing. Despite the danger her past relationship poses to his political career, he never wavers in wanting her by his side.

Though there is no real villain and no real danger – aside from a minor attempt on Simon’s life, which hardly factored into the overall plot – the story still captures the attention of the reader with the will they or won’t they tension. 

As is typical of a Stacy Reid book, there are plenty of swoon worthy love scenes, and a nice, satisfying epilogue.

You can’t go wrong with this read!